ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
8.54% increase in total kharif sowing area in comparison to last year
Sowing area coverage of all kharif crops shows improvement
There has been satisfactory progress of sowing area coverage under Kharif crops. As on 14.08.2020, the total kharif crops have been sown on 1015.58 lakh ha area against 935.70 lakh ha area during the corresponding period of last year, thus increase in area coverage by 8.54% compared to last year in the country. The crop wise area sown is as under:
Rice: About 351.86 lakh ha area coverage under rice as compared to 308.51 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 43.35 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Pulses: About 124.01 lakh ha area coverage under pulses as compared to 121.50 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 2.51 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Coarse Cereals: About 168.12 lakh ha area coverage under coarse cereals as compared to 162.28 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 5.84 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Oilseeds: About 187.14 lakh ha area coverage under oilseeds as compared to 163.57 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 23.56 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Sugarcane: About 52.02 lakh ha area coverage under sugarcane as compared to 51.40 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 0.62 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Jute & Mesta: About 6.96 lakh ha area coverage under jute & mesta as compared to 6.85 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 0.11 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Cotton: About 125.48 lakh ha area coverage under cotton as compared to 121.58 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year. Thus 3.90 lakh ha more area has been covered compared to last year.
Central Water Commission  has reported that the live water storage in 123 reservoirs in different parts of the country is 88% of the corresponding period of the last year.
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President's Secretariat
President of India’s Greetings on the Eve of Teachers’ Day
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has greeted teachers across the country on the eve of Teachers’ Day.
In a message, the President has said, “Teachers’ Day is observed on the birthday of a great educationist, philosopher and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all teachers’ on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
Teachers’ Day is an occasion when we honour the dedicated services of all the teachers who play a leading role in the intellectual and moral development of our children. In Indian tradition, teachers are placed at the same pedestal as God.
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the pedagogy adopted by the teachers also underwent a major change. During lockdown, our teachers accepted every challenge associated with the introduction of online medium of education. They took effective steps to enable uninterrupted education of the students.
On this occasion, let us all express our gratitude to the entire teaching community for its invaluable contribution towards building a strong and prosperous nation”.
Click here for message in Hindi
Ministry of Science & Technology
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, all citizens, companies, and organizations including Government agencies, producing Geospatial Data and information shall be encouraged to collaborate in mutually beneficial manner and work towards open-linked Geospatial Data
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the guidelines on Geospatial Data
Released in February, 2021 envisages that all citizens, companies, and organizations including Government agencies, producing Geospatial Data and information shall be encouraged to collaborate in mutually beneficial manner and work towards open-linked Geospatial Data.
In a statement laid on the table of the Lok Sabha in reply to a question, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government agencies will make all efforts to collaborate for acquiring Geospatial Data. He said, further policy decisions are being deliberated upon to promote start-ups and Small-Medium Enterprises in the geospatial mapping sector.
As per the “Guidelines for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps” issued by Department of Science & Technology  on 15th February, 2021, nothing contained in these guidelines shall confer on any individual or an entity a right to physical access including through aerial/territorial water route to any establishment, installation or premises to which access is restricted by the Ministry/Department concerned as the owner of such premises. Further, there shall be a negative list of sensitive attributes that would require regulation before anyone can acquire and/or use such attribute data. The negative list of attributes will include attributes that shall not be marked on any Map i.e. no personal or legal entity shall identify or associate any location on a Map with a prohibited attribute. The Guidelines also envisages that Indian Entities, whether in Government or outside, will be free to acquire, collect, generate, prepare, disseminate, store, share, publish, distribute, update, digitize and/or create Geospatial Data, including Maps, of any spatial accuracy within the territory of India including underwater within its territorial waters by using any Geospatial Technology, subject to regulations on attributes in the negative lists. Terrestrial Mobile Mapping survey, Street View survey and surveying in Indian territorial waters shall be permitted only for Indian Entities irrespective of accuracy.
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SNC/RR
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Prime Minister's Office
PM envisions boost to tourism in Arunachal Pradesh with addition of Donyi Polo airport
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a boost to the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh with the addition of Donyi Polo airport in Itanagar. The Prime Minister also appreciated the picturesque views showcased in a video shared by Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Quoting a tweet by Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Prime Minister said;
“Looks great! And, with the new airport and flights being added, more people will be able to visit Arunachal Pradesh with ease and experience the warm hospitality there.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Centre will extend necessary assistance and support for developing Lakshadweep as Seaweed hub of the country, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan
Kochi , October 30, 2021
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting & Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L Murugan who is on a 3-day visit to Lakshadweep Islands, visited the Seaweed Demonstration project site at Kavaratti Island, on day two of the visit today. During the visit, Dr. Murugan interacted with local women SHGs, research scientists, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who are engaged in the field of Seaweed cultivation in Lakshadweep Islands. He was accompanied by the Advisor to the Administrator, Shri A. Anbarasu, and Secretary, Fisheries.
During the field visit to the seaweed site, the minister interacted with women SHGs members and heard about the challenges faced by them. “Seaweed cultivation has great potential along the coasts of Lakshadweep and also offers employment opportunities as well as economic empowerment to the people here especially women. The government is focusing more on this,” Union Minister said.
He also gave assurances that the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will extend all the necessary assistance and support for developing Lakshadweep as a Seaweed hub of the country in order to provide economic upliftment and livelihood opportunities to the local community.
Earlier, in the morning, the Minister visited the Marine Aquarium, Museum, and Fisheries Jetty in Kavaratti Island. Dr. Murugan who proceeded to Bangaram Island, will attend various official functions there and interact with the fishermen of the island.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister to participate in East Asia and RCEP Summit in Bangkok
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the East Asia and RCEP summits in Bangkok today. Besides he will also hold meetings with Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australian PM Scott Morrison in Bangkok, before he returns to Delhi tonight.
Prime Minister would be steering India’s negotiations at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or the RCEP. RCEP is a comprehensive free trade agreement being negotiated between the 10 ASEAN Member States and ASEAN's free trade agreement partners Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to dispel the notion that India is as reluctant to join the RCEP trade deal. In a detailed interview to Bangkok Post he said, India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome from the ongoing RCEP negotiations but India would like a win-win outcome.
He added that addressing India's concerns over unsustainable trade deficits is important.
Prime Minister expressed that a mutually beneficial RCEP, in which all sides gain reasonably, is in interests of India and of all partners in the negotiation.
RCEP negotiations which began in Cambodia in 2012 covers areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, market access, economic cooperation, intellectual property and e-commerce.
Ministry of Communications
Union Cabinet approves revival plan of BSNL and MTNL and in-principle merger of the two
Spectrum of 4G to be allocated to the Telecom PSEs
Funding through capital infusion of over Rs 20,000 Crore
Sovereign guarantee for long term bonds of Rs 15,000 Crore
Union Government to bear cost of attractive VRS
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for revival of BSNL and MTNL by administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee, reducing employee costs, monetisation of assets and in-principle approval of merger of BSNL & MTNL.
The following was approved by the cabinet:-
- Administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services to BSNL and MTNL so as to enable these PSUs to provide broadband and other data services. The said Spectrum will be funded by the Government of India by capital infusion in these PSUs at a value of Rs 20,140 Cr in addition; the GST amount of Rs 3,674 Cr to this spectrum value will also be borne by the Government of India through Budgetary resources. By using this spectrum allotment, BSNL and MTNL will be able to deliver 4G services, compete in the market and provide high speed data using their vast network including in rural areas.
- BSNL and MTNL will also raise long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 Cr for which sovereign guarantee will be provided by the Government of India . With the said resources, BSNL and MTNL will restructure their existing debt and also partly meet CAPEX, OPEX and other requirements.
- BSNL and MTNL will also offer Voluntary Retirement to their employees, aged 50 years and above through attractive Voluntary Retirement Scheme , the cost of which will be borne by the Government of India through budgetary support. The ex-gratia component of VRS will require Rs. 17,169 Cr in addition, GoI will be meeting the cost towards Pension, Gratuity and Commutation. Details of the scheme will be finalised by BSNL/MTNL.
- BSNL and MTNL will monetise their assets so as to raise resources for retiring debt, servicing of bonds, network upgradation, expansion and meeting the operational fund requirements.
- In-principle merger of BSNL and MTNL
It is expected that with the implementation of said revival plan, BSNL and MTNL will be able to provide reliable and quality services through its robust telecommunication network throughout the country including rural and remote areas.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Cabinet approves Signing of Protocol to amend the Air Services Agreement between India and Switzerland
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Protocol to amend the Agreement between the Swiss Federal Council and the Government of India related to air services and to exchange Diplomatic Notes with Switzerland for bringing the amendments in the Air Services Agreement into force as per Article 17 thereof.
The amendments in the Air Services Agreement between India and Switzerland will bring it in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.
Ministry of Finance
URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND TO BE ESTABLISHED
INCENTIVES FOR CITIES TO IMPROVE CREDIT WORTHINESS FOR MUNICIPAL BONDS
100 PER CENT MECHANICAL DESLUDGING OF SEPTIC TANKS TO BE ENABLED IN CITIES AND TOWNS
States and cities will be encouraged to undertake urban planning reforms and actions to transform cities into ‘sustainable cities of tomorrow’. This means efficient use of land resources, adequate resources for urban infrastructure, transit-oriented development, enhanced availability and affordability of urban land, and opportunities for all. This was stated by Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2023-24 in the Parliament here today.
Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
Smt. Sitharaman mentioned that an Urban Infrastructure Development Fund  will be established through use of priority sector lending shortfall. This will be managed by the National Housing Bank, and will be used by public agencies to create urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Making Cities Ready for Municipal Bonds
The Finance Minister said that the cities will be incentivized to improve their credit worthiness for municipal bonds. This will be done through property tax governance reforms and ring-fencing user charges on urban infrastructure.
Urban Sanitation
All cities and towns will be enabled for 100 per cent mechanical desludging of septic tanks and sewers to transition from manhole to machine-hole mode. Enhanced focus will be provided for scientific management of dry and wet waste.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
National Recruitment Agency
In order to mitigate the hardships to candidates seeking Government jobs by providing the same platform to all candidates, and with a view to set a new standard of equity and inclusiveness in recruitment, Government has set up the National Recruitment Agency , vide order, dated 28.08.2020. The NRA will be an independent autonomous organization to conduct the Common Eligibility Test  to screen/shortlist candidates for certain categories of posts in Central Government, for which recruitment is carried out through the Staff Selection Commission , Railway Recruitment Boards  and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
The existing Central Government recruiting agencies like SSC, RRBs,&IBPS would continue to conduct domain-specific examinations/tests as per their requirement.
The NRA will conduct only the preliminary screening of candidates through the CET. Based on the score obtained in the CET conducted by NRA, candidates may appear in the domain-specific examinations/tests to be conducted by SSC, RRBs & IBPS respectively for the actual recruitment.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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SNC
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Will continue the dialogic process with all states and solve problems by taking policy decisions: Environment Minister after discussion with Maharashtra CM
The Union Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar held discussions with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and State Government officials on environment and forest-related issues in Mumbai today. The Minister said that majority of pending issues majority of the demands and projects of the state of Maharashtra which were pending during the period 2004 – 2014 have been resolved during the last five years. He said that the Government is moving ahead fast to ensure environment protection as well as development of the nation. The dialogic process initiated today will be continued, to solve problems through policy decisions, said the Minister.
Briefing the media after the meeting, the Union Minister said:
“I have started a dialogue with all states; in the discussion with the Maharashtra CM and other officials, I discussed pending issues and proposals which must be addressed immediately, concerning environment, forests and climate change. I am very happy that majority of the demands and projects of the state of Maharashtra which were pending during the period 2004 – 2014 have been resolved during the last five years. This includes permission for the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Nhavaseva bridge, Navi Mumbai airport; a number of different permissions for Mumbai Metro; Mumbai – Goa Expressway, coastal roads and recycling plant in Malad. We also made changes in Coastal Regulation Zone Notification so that families leaving in those areas can avail of FSI regulations applicable for city areas. A lot of such pro-poor, pro-people and environment-friendly measures have been taken. A law has been framed that if one acre of mangrove is cut down, 10 acres of mangroves need to be grown.
We also want to ensure that the ecotourism potential of the nation is tapped adequately.
We are moving ahead to protect environment as well as ensure rapid progress of our country. I will take up this dialogic process with all the states, and we will solve problems by taking policy decisions.”
Speaking on the #SelfiewithSapling campaign, the Minister said:
“We have received thousands of selfies with saplings; people have participated in large numbers and we are seeking to ensure that more and more people participate. Many states too are taking up this drive. Planting of saplings will continue till around 5th August due to variability in the planting season. Like Swachh Bharat, we want to make Plant India a national movement of the people.
People are now beginning to understand that unless we correct our lifestyle, it will affect our lives adversely. Given the amount of oxygen we need to inhale in a lifetime, each person needs to plant and grow at least ten trees and ensure that they remain safe. This is the duty of every citizen; we want to inculcate that spirit in the people.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Entries for First Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman open till 5th July
In view of the overwhelming response and wide coverage in print and electronic media – both radio and television, for International Yoga Day 2019, it has been decided that participating Media Houses may send their entries and content for the 1st Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman  by 5th July, 2019 to aydms.mib[at]gmail[dot]com. The detailed guidelines for participation may be accessed on the website of I&B Ministry.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 137.46 Cr
More than 76 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.38% is highest since March 2020
7,081 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently  is lowest in 570 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 35 days
With the administration of 76,54,466 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 137.46 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,44,53,135 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,86,235
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
96,44,105
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,83,946
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,67,68,743
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
48,64,15,997
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
29,27,38,782
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
19,14,81,462
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
13,97,81,329
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
11,96,51,542
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8,93,61,111
|
|
Total
|
|
1,37,46,13,252
The recovery of 7,469 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,41,78,940.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.38%, highest since March 2020.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for last 52 days now.
7,081 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 83,913. This is lowest in 570 days. Active cases constitute 0.24% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 12,11,977 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 66.41 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.61% remains less than 1% for the last 35 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be 0.58%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below 2% for last 76 days and below 3% for 111 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD organizes an online workshop on ‘Communication & Counselling Skills’ under Mission Shakti
NIPCCD under the Ministry of women and child Development organized an online Workshop on ‘Communication & Counselling Skills’ for Trainers & Functionaries of Women Care Institutions & NGOs from 29 to 31 May, 2023 at NIPCCD, Delhi.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
102.10 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
15,906 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.17%; Highest since March 2020
16,479 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,35,48,605
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.51%; Lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 1,72,594; lowest in 235 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 30 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 20 days
59.97 cr Total Tests conducted so far